Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 12(3), pp. 577 - 593
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120315
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Study of Spatial Unequal Distribution of Infrastructure - Health Services in Greece for Cancer Patients

Dimitrios Antonoglou ^*, Kostas Rontos
Department of Sociology, University of the Aegean, Greece

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to analyze and evaluate the geographical distribution of available services within the National Health System - both public and private - for the diagnosis (primary care) and treatment (secondary care) of oncology patients. The goal is to examine whether there are disparities in infrastructure among the respective Health Regions of Greece, confirming inequalities in the access of cancer patients to effective treatment. The research is based on data from the statistical database of the Ministry of Health, Presidential Decrees on the Operation of Public Hospitals and information from the Hellenic Association of Private Clinics. The study revealed that the majority of available oncology services are concentrated in the larger urban centers of the country, primarily in Athens and Thessaloniki. This reflects the fact that dynamic oncological facilities are mainly located in the regions where medical schools and corresponding university hospitals are based. It is worth noting that the geographical imbalance of available facilities is internationally recognized as a key factor contributing to disparities in access to healthcare services. Finally, the research could in the future be extended to investigate the effectiveness of the health services offered, using the appropriate effectiveness formulas to assess the inputs and outputs of the services.

KEYWORDS
Oncology Patients, Anti-cancer Service Structures, Neoplastic Diseases, Cancer Patient Services

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Dimitrios Antonoglou , Kostas Rontos , "Study of Spatial Unequal Distribution of Infrastructure - Health Services in Greece for Cancer Patients," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 577 - 593, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120315.

(b). APA Format:
Dimitrios Antonoglou , Kostas Rontos (2024). Study of Spatial Unequal Distribution of Infrastructure - Health Services in Greece for Cancer Patients. Universal Journal of Public Health, 12(3), 577 - 593. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120315.